YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW INVENTING ANNA
When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.
Houston PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers
As the nation struggles to recover from the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, a sinister threat looms on the horizon: PPP loan fraud. Federal prosecutors and criminal investigators from various agencies are working tirelessly to uncover and prosecute those who have submitted false information in an attempt to fraudulently obtain funds from coronavirus relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
But what exactly is PPP loan fraud? Simply put, it’s when an individual or business lies on their application or certification in order to qualify for a loan under the PPP. This program, created to help companies stay afloat during the pandemic, provides forgivable loans to cover payroll and operating expenses. However, businesses must meet specific criteria and adhere to strict requirements and spending limits in order to qualify for and maintain a PPP loan.
During a PPP loan fraud investigation, federal prosecutors focus on determining whether charges should be brought against those who may have violated the program’s requirements. Common targets include businesses and individuals who have misused funds or provided false information on their loan application.
If you find yourself under investigation for possible PPP fraud, it’s crucial that you take immediate action to protect yourself and your business. This may include hiring an experienced federal defense attorney, gathering and preserving all relevant business and financial records, and ensuring that your employees are aware that they can report suspicions of fraud without fear of retaliation.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
At our firm, we have a team of experienced attorneys, paralegals, and consultants who have been highly successful in helping business owners navigate PPP and EIDL loan fraud investigations. We will work tirelessly to gather and preserve all relevant documents, interview relevant parties, and present any available arguments for mitigation or mistake to the government. Don’t let PPP loan fraud ruin your business and your future – contact us today to see how we can help.
As the world continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created as a lifeline for small businesses struggling to stay afloat. But with this lifeline comes the potential for fraud, as unscrupulous individuals seek to exploit the program for their own gain.
Make no mistake, the consequences of PPP loan fraud are severe. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act may not contain specific penal provisions for PPP loan fraud, but fraud under the program can trigger civil and criminal charges under a host of federal statutes.
Some of the potential charges in federal PPP loan fraud investigations include making false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA), making false statements to an FDIC-insured bank, bank fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and even tax evasion.
The DOJ has already filed charges in several PPP-related cases, using the federal wire fraud statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1343, which allows prosecutors to seek substantial penalties under a broad range of circumstances. The use of the Internet in connection with, “any scheme or artifice to defraud, or . . . obtaining money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises” is prohibited under this statute.
The federal crime of aggravated identity theft, defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, is also a common charge in PPP loan fraud cases. It prohibits the, “knowingly transfer[ring], possess[ing], or us[ing], without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person,” in connection with the commission of certain specified felony offenses, including bank and wire fraud.
Tax evasion is another common charge in PPP loan fraud cases, as individuals and companies accused of fraud may also face allegations of evading payroll and income taxes by unlawfully claiming deductions for payroll expenses covered with PPP loan funds.
In short, PPP loan fraud is a serious crime with severe consequences. As the world fights to recover from the pandemic, it is crucial that we all do our part to ensure the integrity of this vital program and protect the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy.
